Why Do You Make Your Own Music – Something to Ask Yourself

Making music is a journey. The creative process usually stands out as energetic , positive or joyful, though at times, creating music can become a madness. The frustrations come and go, and they should be welcomed with open arms instead of submitting to depression. From time to time, it’s good to remember why you started to make your own music in the first place.

The Beginnings

Doing a little search on my hard drive, the earliest project files I could find date back almost ten years. Looking at the file names, it all comes back to me. Working on those early projects was all about fun and experimentation, really having no idea what I was supposed to do. They are something to look back to with a smile.

As years go by and music production turns from a hobby to something more serious than that, not taking your music too seriously can be healthy. Though it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give all you’ve got to a piece of music – because you should, always.

By approaching a new piece of music from a non-serious standpoint, you will keep an open mind towards the music, and therefore let yourself experiment more, just like in those early days. You will find unique sounds and ideas for your music naturally if you just let go.

When a musician becomes a “household name”, certain things are expected from them, sound and track-wise. This should never act as a block for your own imagination. Artists that put out quality original music can take their music to whatever direction they choose – and people will follow.

The Journey

What is the reason why you decide to sit on the producer’s chair, day after day? Photo Credit: Jason Lander via Compfightcc

Find producer friends who are doing music for the love of it, and not for fame, money or any other unauthentic reason. When I run across producers who I’ve never met before, I can tell in a New York Minute whether they are in it for the real deal – or not. The real people are the ones you need to stick to being friends with, and exchange experiences with during your musical journey.

Don’t ever forget why you started making music, or what was that magnetic force that pulled you into the world of music production. Was it the sounds, the instruments, pure intrigue or a certain feeling?

Whenever I finish a new track, I’m always brought back to the roots. No matter how mountainous the struggle or the countless hours of working on something. The same exhilarating feeling always runs through my body when I know I’ve put together something that is great – to me.

And that feeling is exactly why I make music.

-JP

Why do you make music? What made you interested to make your own music? Share your stories below.